Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 8) — Canada will set up an agricultural hub in Manila as it wants to be the “preferred supplier” in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The Philippines is an important partner under the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Hosting this new Office is an opportunity to build on our economic relationship, and enrich people-to-people ties,” Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said in a statement.
The Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The regional agricultural office will consist of a team that will work directly with Canadian diplomatic missions and stakeholders, among others.
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific region totaled $21.8 billion last year.
Canada also has trade agreements with South Korea, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam.
The Philippine government welcomed Canada’s plan.
